Unending Devotion (Michigan Brides #1)(67)

Connell grinned, reached past her, and opened the door.

Warm light spilled over them as they walked into the wide front entryway. Lily stopped short and gazed at the long spacious hall in wonder. A welcoming fire crackled in a tiled fireplace with a curved settee positioned in front of it. A wide winding staircase rose at the far end. And a crystal chandelier dangled from the high ceiling.

She had the urge to slip off her boots lest she soil the bright hues of the lush oblong carpet that covered the polished hardwood floor. The luxury of the long hallway was everything she had expected and more, from the mahogany wood paneling and vibrant patterned wallpaper to the scrolling frieze. Though it was just the entrance, it was the fanciest room she’d ever seen.

She had the urge to step back outside, to demand that Connell take her and Daisy somewhere else, but he closed the door behind them with a thud that echoed of finality.

“Who’s there?” a voice called from the parlor.

“Just me, Mam,” Connell replied.

“Connell?” In an instant, a woman in an elegant evening dress glided into the hallway. The narrow plaitings of silk and the large bustle on the back of her skirt rustled with each graceful step.

“Hello, Mam.” Connell grinned.

The woman’s beautiful face registered first surprise, then delight. She rushed toward Connell, smiling in return, leaving a lovely rose-powder scent in her wake. Connell held out his arms to her, and she swept him into a crushing embrace.

Something joyously painful lodged in Lily’s throat. She’d never known a mother’s love—had never seen a display of affection like the one Connell’s mother was showering upon him. And even though she didn’t begrudge Connell his happiness, she couldn’t deny the keen longing for all she’d missed.

He pressed a kiss against his mother’s stylish coils of hair. The golden strands—probably once the shade of Connell’s—had begun to fade to the dimness of winter sunlight.

“It’s so good to see you.” Her voice had a slight Irish brogue. She stepped back and examined him, her eyes searching his face, as if she could read there all that was written in his heart.

The longing inside Lily swelled. What would it have been like to have a mother? To have had a real home? How different things might have been for her and Daisy.

Mrs. McCormick reached for Connell’s hands and squeezed them. “You look well.”

His grin faded, as if he sensed the depth of his mother’s probing and the unasked questions about what was happening. For surely from the second she’d heard his voice, she must have guessed something was dreadfully wrong for him to have left his work unattended to make the long ride home.

“Don’t worry,” he said. “I’m all right.”

It was only then that Mrs. McCormick turned toward Lily and Daisy. Her kind eyes, so much like Connell’s, regarded them without judgment.

“Mam, this is Lily and her sister Daisy.”

Lily nodded. “Evening.”

Daisy murmured a shy greeting.

“I’m pleased to meet you both,” the woman said, and from the sincerity in her tone, Lily could almost believe the woman meant it.

“Everything you’ve heard,” Connell rushed to explain. “None of it’s true.”

Mrs. McCormick smiled gently. “Of course it’s not, son. And I know in due time you’ll explain what’s going on.”

He nodded. “It’s a long story. And the short of it is that I need you to take care of Lily and Daisy for me.”

“I would be honored to.”

Lily didn’t know if love at first sight was possible, but she was suddenly overwhelmed with the woman’s kindness. She wanted to throw her arms around her and hug her.

“Connell?” A young woman appeared in the wide arched doorway of the parlor. She juggled a fussing baby against the silky pale blue and silver of her dress. The front of the skirt was trimmed with several ruffles below the waistline and embroidered with pearls. She wore a double strand of matching pearls around her slender neck and appeared every bit as refined as Mrs. McCormick.

At the sight of the woman, Connell stiffened and took a step back toward the door.

Mrs. McCormick laid a hand on Connell’s arm as if to stop him from leaving. “Tierney is working late tonight, and I invited Rosemarie to spend the evening with me.”

The muscles in Connell’s jaw flexed.

“She’s brought their baby.” Mrs. McCormick’s voice had a soft pleading quality to it. “Your niece.”

Rosemarie took a step toward Connell and then stopped. The graceful lines of her face were creased with uncertainty.

Lily’s heartbeat came to a slow and pattering halt. Who was this woman? And why was Connell having such a strong reaction to her?

Mrs. McCormick squeezed Connell’s arm, and her gaze gently admonished him.

He nodded curtly. “Good evening, Rosemarie. Congratulations on the birth of your baby.”

She gave a hesitant smile. “Thank you.”

“I hope you’re both in good health.”

“We’re doing as well as can be expected.”

Connell didn’t meet the woman’s gaze, even though her eyes practically begged him to.

A twinge of something new pricked Lily. Had Connell harbored feelings for this woman at one time?